9 popular remote islands that even beginners can't miss! Explanation of how to get there and the attractions that can be enjoyed even on a day trip!
Table of Contents
- 1 Let's find the perfect remote island for you! Introducing the islands you want to visit on your trip to Okinawa
- 2 Enjoy a day trip or stay overnight! What are the recommended remote islands in Okinawa?
- 3 Okinawa Islands (Okinawa Islands) How to get there by ferry or plane is also explained☆.
- 4 Yaeyama Islands (Yaeyama Islands) How to get there by ferry or plane is also explained☆.
- 5 Miyako Islands How to get there by ferry or plane is also explained☆.
- 6 Enjoy a day trip from Okinawa 3 model courses on remote islands
- 7 Diagnosis of the island that is right for you
- 8 From Okinawa! Best Season to Travel to Remote Islands
- 9 From Okinawa! Notes on Travel to Remote Islands
- 10 Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about travel to remote islands from Okinawa
- 11 summary
⬇︎ Okinawa Tours Selected! Sightseeing tour specials are here!
Find the perfect remote island for you!
Introduction of remote islands you want to visit on your trip to Okinawa
Okinawa Prefecture is often mentioned as one of the most popular destinations for domestic travel. Okinawa is often thought of as the main island of Okinawa, but in fact, there are many other islands in Okinawa that are also popular destinations for domestic travel.isolated islandis also popular!
Looking for a remote island in Okinawa that fits your needs?
If you want to know a model course for touring the islands
First-time travelers to the remote islands of Okinawa who are unsure of the area to choose.
For those who want to know which islands are recommended for both day trips and overnight stays.
This article details the most popular remote islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Okinawa
Enjoy day trips and overnight stays!
What are the recommended remote islands in Okinawa?
Do you know how many islands belong to Okinawa?
In fact, there are 160 islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, with 47 inhabited islands.
Some remote islands are connected to the main island of Okinawa by bridges, while others are accessible only by air. Such Okinawa is largely divided into3 areasThe following is classified into the following categories.
◆Yaeyama Islands
◆Miyako Islands
All are famous tourist attractions that attract many tourists!
Okinawa Prefecture covers an area of approximately 1,000 km from east to west and 400 km from north to south, including a wide expanse of ocean.
This is the size of more than half of Honshu, so if you try to visit three areas in one tripRealistically almost impossibleIt is.
It is recommended that you spend more time in one area on a single trip!
Okinawa Islands
How to get there by ferry or plane is also explained☆.
Including the main island of Okinawa, the surrounding islands, and a few islands a little further away, the area is called the Okinawa Islands.
Simply put, "the islands excluding the Yaeyama Islands and the Miyako Islands".Okinawa (islands)We will call them "the islands". First, we will introduce some of the most popular remote islands in the Okinawa Islands area!
Kerama Islands
The Kerama Islands (Keramasoto) are a group of more than 20 islands, large and small, located 40 kilometers west of the main island of Okinawa.
The white sandy beaches of the Kerama Islands, the clear waters, and the blue gradation created by the strong tropical sunlight are known as Kerama blue.
The manned island representing Kerama is calledTokashiki Island"Aka Island"Zamami IslandEach island can be reached by high-speed boat from the main island of Okinawa in about 35~50 minutes.
Divers not only from Japan but from all over the world come here to enjoy the world-class beauty of Keramas Blue.
Travel time: High-speed boat: approx. 50 min. to 1 hour / Ferry: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours
Click here for tour ranking of Kerama Islands
Japan
Mizuna Island is a small island with a population of about 50 people.
When the island is seen from the sky, it is shaped like a crescent moon and is also called "Croissant Island.
Despite the small size of the island, the number of tourists who visit the island each year is estimated to be about 1,000.60,000 peopleThe number of such cases is as high as 1,000.
The island is gaining popularity becauseOnly 15 minutes from the main island.That is to say!
You can enjoy the attractive beaches of Mizuna Island on a day trip while traveling from your base on the main island.â
◆Time required: about 15 minutes by ferry
*Total from Naha: approx. 2 to 2.5 hours
Click here for tour ranking of Mizuna Island
Kume Island
Located some 100 km from the main island, Kume Island is the westernmost island of Okinawa.
The beauty of Kume Island's waters is world-famous, and many divers visit the island every year.
Especially famous is the "beach on the far side of the ocean". This is an uninhabited island that can be reached in 30 minutes by boat from Kumejima.
The small uninhabited island is surrounded by the sea, and its beach is made up of nothing but pure white sand and coral fragments, a heavenly beauty!
Travel time: about 35 minutes by plane / 3 to 3.5 hours by ferry
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours on Kume Island.
Yaeyama Islands (Yaeyama Islands)
How to get there by ferry or plane is also explained☆.
The Yaeyama Islands consist of 12 islands, including Ishigaki Island, one of the most famous islands in Okinawa.
The average temperature is slightly higher than that of the main island, and the temperature difference during the year is small.Relatively warm days even in winterIt is!
Each of the Yaeyama Islands is well connected by ferry from Ishigaki Island, so if you go to Ishigaki Island, you can easily go to the other islands of the Yaeyama Islands♪.
Five airports, Tokyo (Narita and Haneda), Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, provide direct access to Ishigaki Island, which is recommended for those who want to mainly visit the Yaeyama Islands!
Essential for touring the Yaeyama Islands!
Click here for ferry details.
Ishigaki Island
Everyone knows Ishigaki Island as the most remote island in Okinawa.
Not only tourist attractions, but also resort hotels and restaurants are quite extensive.
It is very popular as a base for tourists who want to enjoy the remote islands of the Yaeyama Archipelago!
It is also nice to know that the airport is well maintained and can be accessed in about an hour from the main island.
The popular and beautiful sea has a high probability of encountering manta rays,Divers from all over the world gather on Ishigaki Island.
◆Time required: approx. 1 hour
Click here for tour ranking of Ishigaki Island
Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island" is only 10 minutes away from Ishigaki Island, which is another attraction of the island.
Once you step inside, you will be captivated by the time change, the streets lined with Okinawan red-tiled houses, the high sky, and the wind whispering from the crystal-clear ocean.
There is a resort hotel on the island where tourists can stay, and restaurants where they can enjoy a relaxing time.
◆Time required: approx. 10 min.
Naha → Ishigaki (1 hr. by plane) + boarding
Ishigaki Island】Taketomi Island Sightseeing Tour
Click here for tour ranking of
Iriomote Island (Okinawa)
Iriomote Island, a World Natural Heritage site, also has a stable, warm climate,Nearly 90% of the island is occupied by jungles typical of subtropical climates.
Rare animals such as the Iriomote wildcat live freely in this rich natural environment.
The island itself has been awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japon, which is an endorsement of its charm!
One of the main features of this area is that there are a variety of activity tours that allow visitors to enjoy such nature to the fullest.
◆Time required: approx. 40-50 min.
Naha → via Ishigaki
Click here for tour ranking of Iriomote Island
islets of Ogasawara (islands)
Kohama Island, located between Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, was made famous by NHK's TV drama series "Churasan.
While surrounded by the vast sugarcane fields and abundant nature unique to Okinawa, the main feature of the island is its extensive resort facilities, which are unique to the southern islands.
◆Time required: approx. 25-30 min.
Naha → via Ishigaki
Click here for tour ranking of Kohama Island
Miyako Islands
How to get there by ferry or plane is also explained☆.
The Miyako Islands belong to eight inhabited islands, including Miyako Island, a very popular remote island among tourists.
Miyako Islands also,Access to Miyako Island and other islandsI'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work!
There is excellent access by boat, but access by land is recommended where the Grand Bridge is located.
Miyako Island (Okinawa)
Miyako Island, the largest of the Miyako Islands, is the center of life in the Miyako Islands and the base for travel to the Miyako Islands!
The Irabu Bridge connecting to Irabu Island, the Ikema Bridge connecting to Ikema Island, and the Kurema Bridge connecting to Kurema Island have been well maintained and provide excellent access within the Miyako Islands.
The charm of the islands lies in their beautiful sea, abundant nature, and the slow pace of life that only a remote island can offer.
Why don't you relax and be healed by nature in Miyako Island?
◆Time required: approx. 50 min.
Click here for tour ranking of Miyako Island
Irabu Island (port island)
Irabu Island is located west of Miyako Island and is a remote island easily accessible by the Irabu Bridge.
The clear waters and dynamic topography are attractive, and beautiful beaches such as Watakuchi no Hama and Sawada no Hama are scattered throughout the area.
The island also features a relaxed atmosphere that is not overly touristy, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy snorkeling, driving, and watching the sunset in peace and quiet.
◆Time required: Naha→Miyako about 50 minutes + car about 15 minutes
Direct access by bridge (no boat required)
Click here for tour ranking of Irabu Island
Enjoy a day trip from Okinawa♪
Three model courses on remote islands
Many people may have the image of Okinawa's remote islands as requiring overnight stays or being difficult to get around.
In fact, however, there are many remote islands that can be easily enjoyed on a day trip while using Okinawa's main island or Ishigaki Island as a base.
Here are three carefully selected recommended model courses that can be enjoyed on a day trip from among the remote islands introduced in this article.â
Course 1: Enjoy Keramas Blue from Naha
Kerama Islands Day Trip Model Course
Among the remote islands that can be reached in a day trip from Naha, the Kerama Islands boast overwhelming clarity.
By high-speed boat from Naha Tomari Port, it takes about 35 minutes to get to Tokashiki Island, and about 50 minutes to get to Zamami and Aka Islands.
Depart from Naha in the morning, and upon arrival, enjoy the beach andsnorkelingThe standard way to spend a day is to spend time around the The "Keramas Blue," one of the clearest waters in the world, is impressive enough for even a short stay.
Since you can return to Naha in the evening, this is a model day trip course that can be easily combined with sightseeing on the main island of Okinawa.
↓Click here for recommended Kerama Islands tours from Naha.
Course 2: 15 minutes from the northern part of the main island
Model Day Trip to Mizuna Island
If you are based in the northern part of Okinawa's main island, a day trip to Mizuna Island is recommended.Approximately 15 minutes by ferry from Motobu PortThe beautiful ocean and white sandy beaches are typical of the remote islands, and the proximity of the island to the sea is only a few kilometers away.
Departing from the main island in the morning, visitors can easily enjoy a tropical atmosphere upon arrival, relaxing on the beach or enjoying marine sports.
This is the perfect one-day model course for those who want to experience the islands in a short time.
Okinawa Main Island】Day Tour to Mizuna Island
Click here for tour ranking
Course 3: Healing in Okinawa's Original Landscape from Ishigaki Island
Taketomi Island Day Trip Model Course
If you visit the Yaeyama Islands, you cannot miss Taketomi Island, which can be reached by a day trip from Ishigaki Island!
It is very accessible, only 10 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Port, making it easy to get around.
On Taketomi Island, visitors can enjoy the original Okinawan scenery, such as strolling through villages with red-tile roofs, sightseeing on buffalo carts, and star sand beaches.
The tourist attractions are compactly packed together, making even a half-day trip highly satisfying,Easy to incorporate during your stay in Ishigaki IslandThis is a model day trip course.
One-Day Tour to Taketomi Island
Click here for tour ranking
Diagnosis of the island that is right for you
Each of Okinawa's remote islands has its own distinct charm. It is important to clarify "what you want to enjoy the most" because the satisfaction level of your trip will vary greatly depending on which island you choose.
Here are some recommended remote islands for different purposes of travel in an easy-to-understand manner.â
Snorkeling and diving.
If you want to have fun?
If you value the clarity of the sea and the beauty of the coral reefs,Kerama Islandsis recommended! The Keramas blue ocean, one of the clearest in the world, is so impressive that you can experience it even on a day trip.
These islands are ideal for those who want to enjoy snorkeling and diving to the fullest.
Want to relax on a quiet beach?
For those who want to avoid the crowds and spend a relaxing island timeTaketomi Islandis suitable for
With its red-tile-roofed villages and calm beaches, the atmosphere is relaxing just by strolling around. Recommended for those who value a balance between sightseeing and rest.
Traveling with children/family and want to make transportation easier?
For travel with children and families who want to keep travel time short,Japanis recommended!
Accessible by ferry, just 15 minutes from the main island of Okinawa, it can be easily enjoyed as a day trip. This is ideal for those who want to enjoy the ocean and scenery typical of the remote islands while reducing the burden of transportation.
From Okinawa! Best Season to Travel to Remote Islands
Okinawa's remote islands are blessed with a mild climate throughout the year, but enjoyment and travel comfort vary greatly depending on the time of year you visit.
Purpose and schedule of the tripBy selecting the season according to the following factors, you can realize a more satisfying trip to the remote islands.
Here we will discuss the best times to travel to the islands from Okinawa.
Spring and autumn when the climate and the beauty of the sea are stable
What do you recommend for a trip to the remote islands of Okinawa?April to early June and October to NovemberIt is. At this time of year, temperatures are mild, the sea is clear, and the number of tourists is not as large as during the summer vacation season.
It offers a good balance of sightseeing and ocean fun, and is suitable for first-time visitors to the islands.
↓Click here to read about spring and fall weather in Okinawa.
Best conditions in summer, but watch out for typhoons.
July - Septemberis the season when the Okinawan sea is at its most beautiful. It is the best time to enjoy snorkeling and marine activities, but it is also the time when typhoons are most likely to occur.
It is important to plan for weather changes, such as allowing extra time for travel days.
↓Click here for an article about typhoons in Okinawa.
In winter, you can enjoy the serene and remote island time.
The sea water temperature drops from December to March, making it somewhat unsuitable for trips focused on ocean fun, but visitors can enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the island with few tourists.
This is a good season for those who want to take a relaxing trip to the remote islands, such as strolling through villages and appreciating nature.
↓Click here to read about winter in Okinawa.
From Okinawa! Notes on Travel to Remote Islands
When going out to remote islands from Okinawa, you need to keep in mind a few points that are slightly different from those for travel to the main islands.
By understanding the unique environment and traffic conditions of remote islands in advance, you can avoid problems and enjoy a more comfortable trip.â
Here are some points to keep in mind when traveling to remote islands from Okinawa.
Be aware of the risk of vessel cancellations due to weather and sea conditions
Ferries and high-speed boats to remote islands in Okinawa are easily affected by weather and sea conditions. Windy days and high waves often cause cancellations and delays.
It is especially important to schedule your day trip to the islands with plenty of time to spare, as you may not be able to return on the same day if your return flight is cancelled.
Bringing cash is a must.
In remote islands,Stores that do not accept credit cards or electronic moneyare also common. In addition, ATMs and convenience stores may be absent or limited in number on the island.
It is a good idea to have cash on hand in advance for food, beverage, and rental expenses.
Keep track of the small number of stores and hours of operation.
Compared to the main island, the number of restaurants and stores on remote islands is limited. Many of them are closed on irregular holidays or close in the evening.Business HoursIt is important to examine the
If you plan meal times and sightseeing routes in advance, you will have fewer problems in the area.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about travel to remote islands from Okinawa
Yes, you can enjoy a day trip to any of the outlying islands that can be accessed in a short time by ferry or high-speed boat. In particular, the Kerama Islands, Mizuna Island, and Taketomi Island have short travel times, allowing you to efficiently enjoy the beaches and explore the islands. For first-time visitors, we recommend choosing an island with a travel time of less than one hour.
Cancellation of flights due to weather or sea conditions is not uncommon for trips to remote islands in Okinawa. For day trips, it is important to plan to return earlier than the last flight. It is also a good idea to leave extra time in your itinerary and plan for sightseeing on the main island as an alternative plan in the event of a flight cancellation.
The best season is from April to early June and from October to November, when there is a good balance between climate and sightseeing. The clarity of the ocean and relatively low risk of typhoons make the islands suitable for both day trips and overnight stays. This is also a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and spend a relaxing time.
summary
There are many remote islands in Okinawa, and we have carefully selected a few of them to tell you about.
When you travel to a remote island, you want to spend a relaxing time completely away from the hustle and bustle of the city and daily life. We hope you will find this information useful in planning your trip to a remote island!
↓Click here to read the article.
